Obituary of Lillian Rowles

It is with great sorrow that the family of Lillian Rowles (nee Anderson) announce her passing on January 1, 2005 at the Rockyview General Hospital, at the age of 85 years. Lillian was born on the family homestead near Seven Persons, located near Medicine Hat, on April 6, 1919. She had five brothers and two sisters. In 1925, the family abandoned the homestead and shortly thereafter purchased a farm south of Eckville, AB. This is where she spent her youth. She attended Diamond Valley School, where she was an honour student and was skipped past Grade 7. As a young adult she moved to Calgary, and in the summer of 1936, while crossing the Zoo bridge, she met her husband to be, John Rowles, of Okotoks, AB. It was love at first sight and three months later in October they were married. In 1945, Lillian gave birth to their only child, a son, John Jr. During the 1950’s, she was very active in scouting and was the Cub Master of the 40th Cub Pack. She and her husband John retired in 1975 and shortly thereafter purchased a retirement home at Road Haven in Apache Junction AZ, east of Phoenix. Here they spent many happy and warm winters. In April 1993, two days after returning from Arizona, and two days before her seventy-fourth birthday, Lillian suffered a severe stroke which left her paralyzed on the right side and speechless. For most people this would represent the end, but not for Lillian. She was determined to be positive about her situation and enjoy life to its fullest. As a right-hander she learned to use her left just as well. In January 1994, she went to live at the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, where she had a private room on 2 West. This was her home for the next ten years. While a resident at the Fanning Centre she participated in many activities, such as wood work, ceramics and needlework. Her needlework won many prizes at the Calgary Stampede. She was an avid Flames fan and attended many games. She also enjoyed watching curling and playing cards with her family. On March 30, 1995 , after 59 years of marriage, her husband John passed away. In late August 2004 she moved to the McKenzie Towne Care Centre where she resided until her death. She is survived by her son John; her brother Carl Anderson and his wife Helen; a sister Gonda Humble; and a sister-in-law Laureen Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses of 2 West Fanning for their love and care for over ten years and would like them to know that Lillian loved you like sons and daughters. Although she only resided at McKenzie Towne Care Centre for a few months your care and attention to Lillian?s needs was appreciated. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Red Cross Society, 737 – 13 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 1J1 Telephone: (403) 541-6100. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Lillian and John Rowles, two trees will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY Telephone: (403) 276-2296.